Bulow Creek State Park is a lovely discovery. Just 10 minutes off I-95, it’s great for a quick picnic and to gaze at the grand old Fairchild Oak. Or you can spend the day and take a hike or scenic drive.
Florida State Parks
Stories about Florida State Parks
Articles about Florida State Parks include camping, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking and bicycle riding.
Colt Creek State Park: Haven for trail walkers, off-road cyclists and wildlife. Great camping, too!
Colt Creek State Park is a former cattle ranch tucked into a corner of the massive Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve near Lakeland with camping, hiking, fishing, bicycle trails and an equestrian campground.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park: A serene spot to learn about Florida’s past
A peaceful park shaded by magnificent live oaks is a good place to soak up some Florida history. If you take the time to go through the visitor center and walk the battlefield, you’ll find it also tells a thought-provoking story.
Long Key State Park: Natural, uncrowded Florida Keys
Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key State Park is a lovely place to spend a few hours hiking, beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. There are even three primitive tent camping sites.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in winter: Best time to kayak
The Ichetucknee is the most pristine spring run in the state. It has eight major springs, crystalline water, lush jungly vegetation plus plentiful birds and wildlife. It’s a shame that most visitors only experience it as a busy tubing river. It’s a fabulous winter kayaking destination in North Florida — worth a drive!
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West hidden gem
Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.
Anastasia State Park seduces. Stunning beach, shady campground.
Anastasia State Park’s four-mile beach shimmers in the Florida sun. Surfing, swimming, bicycle on the beach, coastal forest camping and paddle the lagoon a stone’s throw to historic St. Augustine.
These 12 state parks are less visited but among the best to discover
We’ve picked 12 Florida State Parks that are off-the-beaten path and less well-known. From the Keys to the Panhandle, explore these fascinating spots. Each averages fewer than 150 visitors a day.
Florida cabin rentals in state parks: Like camping, but with comfort
One of the best places to enjoy nature is in a cabin in a Florida state park. But the cabins book up fast, so you have to plan ahead. Our guide explains which parks have cabins, what they offer and what they cost.
Myakka River State Park: One the best state parks for wildlife, hiking, kayaking & camping
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of the oldest and best state parks. Folks who love outdoor recreation can do it all here — camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, wildlife viewing.